Rotation policy gives Bayern lift-off
Friday, March 7, 2008
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The record 5-0 UEFA Cup win at RSC Anderlecht proves that Ottmar Hitzfeld's rotation is paying dividends. "We are all relaxed about it," noted left-back Philipp Lahm.
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Winning by five goals, especially in Europe, is always a good thing but for FC Bayern München the UEFA Cup victory at RSC Anderlecht proves that coach Ottmar Hitzfeld's rotation policy is still reaping large dividends.
Rotation benefit
Six members of the team that started Saturday's 1-0 Bundesliga success at FC Schalke 04 – including Lucio, Oliver Kahn, Franck Ribéry and Miroslav Klose – were replaced for the game in Brussels, yet it did not knock the German giants out of their stride. "We have some 20-22 players fit to play at this level," said Philipp Lahm, one of the men who came back into the starting lineup last night. "That's why we are relaxed about the situation."
Record wins
Not only did Bayern win comfortably, but their 5-0 victory margin matched their best-ever away result in Europe. Thirteen years ago they defeated FC Lokomotiv Moskva by the same scoreline in the UEFA Cup, and they recorded 5-0 wins at AS Jeunesse Esch in 1975 and Køge BK the following year on European Champions Clubs' Cup duty. "I have to give huge credit to everyone," said midfielder Mark van Bommel. "We put in a great performance and showed attacking moves I haven't seen for a long time. Everyone who gets to play is performing superbly well."
Stylish performance
General manager Uli Hoeness was especially pleased, since successes like the one at Anderlecht were his aim when he oversaw a record €67m outlay for new players last summer. "Not only did everyone enjoy themselves, this match also means we have a rather pleasant return leg where we can comfortably cruise into the quarter-finals," said Hoeness. As ever, Hitzfeld was quick to add a sense of proportion to the impressive win. "It was not as easy as the result may suggest," the 59-year-old said. "It could very well have been 1-1 at half-time."
Ribéry introduction
Having the option to bring quality players off the bench can make a big difference, though, and the introduction of Klose and Ribéry changed matters. The French playmaker repaid the coach's faith by supplying two assists and scoring a stunning free-kick to complete the rout – a wonder strike which made all but one Bayern player happy. "Right before he took the kick, I bet him €100 that he wouldn’t score," explained van Bommel. "But alas, he did."
